just read this article and some of the things in it made me chuckle this one in particular

It so happens that his contemporary Sir Michael Gambon (the only other actor in theater who can stand with McKellen on equal terms with Sir Laurence Olivier) also plays a famous wizard, in Harry Potter. “I often get mistaken for Dumbledore,” McKellen mentioned amusingly. “One wizard is very much like another.” When the two met backstage recently, McKellen asked Gambon if he was ever mistaken for Gandalf. “All the time!” he replied. “That’s good,” said McKellen. “And what do you do?” “Oh,” Gambon told him, “I just sign your name!”

Not sure if he's serious or not, but either way it's awesome! "...and his first memory of Middle-earth was the green stone above her breast as she sang above his cradle while Gondolin was still in flower." -Unfinished Tales

Of course if I made the same mistake I'd expect my geek card to be revoked and to immediately be set upon by rabid fanbois wielding high-powered paint guns. And I'd deserve it. -Tim came by. Tim! If you had heard only a quarter of what I have heard about him, and I have only heard very little of all there is to hear, you would be prepared for any sort of remarkable tale.

Even casual moviegoers can differentiate between Dumbeldore and Gandalf. McKellen and Gambon do not even look alike. It would take a very daft person or someone oblivious to even the most distinguishing traits of the character to make such a mistake.

If someone was barely into the movies I question why they would want an autograph from a fantasy movie actor.

'It is not easy for us to tell the difference between two mortals,' said the Elf.
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'Nonsense, Lindir,' snorted Bilbo. 'If you can't distinguish between a Man and a Hobbit, your judgement is poorer than I imagined. They're as different as peas and apples.'

'Maybe. To sheep other sheep no doubt appear different,' laughed Lindir. 'Or to shepherds. But Mortals have not been our study. We have other business.'

'I won't argue with you,' said Bilbo. 'I am sleepy after so much music and singing. I'll leave you to guess, if you want to.'

As Tolkien knew, different people have different interests. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Discuss Tolkien's life and works in the Reading Room! +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+= How to find old Reading Room discussions.

As inconceivable as it seems that anyone who truly considers themselves a fan could confuse the two, I could actually see myself accidentally saying the wrong name in the thrill of nervous excitement. One reason I've never asked for an autograph. "The question isn't where, Constable, but when." - Inspector Spacetime